Medical Affairs is often described as a function in transformation. Yet, for many of us working in this space, that description is already outdated. In practice, the transformation has largely happened. What we are seeing now is not an early signal of change, but the operational reality of the role. One of the clearest places where this reality becomes visible is in MSL … [Read more...]

Introduction Artificial intelligence and digital health applications (known in Germany as DiGA — Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen), including AI-assisted diagnostics, digital therapeutics, wearable-derived endpoints, and AI-powered chatbots, are reshaping how healthcare is delivered and how evidence is generated. For Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), these technologies are … [Read more...]

In the professional development of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), the industry typically prioritizes a "hard-skill" trifecta: therapeutic mastery, clinical data fluency, and formal communication. Training modules usually focus on clinical data results, disease state presentations, objection handling, and alignment with medical strategic imperatives. Yet, the invisible skill … [Read more...]

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role has relied on influence rather than authority. MSLs rarely control budgets or formal decisions, yet they play a critical role in shaping how organizations understand clinical practice, emerging research, and the needs of healthcare professionals. What is changing is the environment in which MSLs operate. Healthcare systems are more … [Read more...]

Abstract Background: The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role has expanded alongside the growing scope of Medical Affairs, with increased involvement in clinical development support, evidence generation, and cross-functional strategy, as well as scientific exchange with external experts, real-world evidence development, insights generation to inform organizational … [Read more...]

Abstract Background: Artificial intelligence (AI)–driven analytics are increasingly used in Medical Affairs and healthcare research to identify and engage key opinion leaders (KOLs). While these systems enable large-scale analysis of scientific influence, concerns have emerged regarding algorithmic and structural bias that may affect fairness, representation, and scientific … [Read more...]

Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) play a central role in facilitating the exchange of scientific and clinical information with healthcare professionals (HCPs). Within a continuously evolving regulatory landscape, it is essential that MSL engagement, related to unapproved uses of approved or cleared medical products, aligns with the appropriate FDA framework governing … [Read more...]

The evolving role of MSL in startup environments Working as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in a startup can be both exciting and, at times, a little undefined. There is enthusiasm, energy, speed, and a strong sense of purpose. Teams are small, decisions happen quickly or unexpectedly, and there is often more visibility into the broader strategy than in larger organizations. … [Read more...]

Introduction In the critical landscape of pharmaceutical development, the transition from phase II (safety) to phase III (efficacy) is often described as the “valley of death”, with approximately 70% of drug development projects failing to progress further. Even for those who reach Phase III, the hurdle remains high, with 57% of failures attributed to inadequate efficacy and … [Read more...]